City first registered their interest in January and the subject of Shaw's availability was broached again when Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino attended the Under-21 Premier League clash between the two clubs at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month, with elite development squad coach Patrick Vieira also present.

The Manchester giants were encouraged by the nature of the talks and are now increasingly confident of seeing off a host of rival suitors to secure one of the hottest properties in English football.

Manuel Pellegrini has earmarked the left-back spot as a key area of improvement for his side, with neither Gael Clichy nor Aleksandar Kolarov convincing the Chilean this season.

Shaw, 18, is regarded as the finest domestic talent of his generation and is battling Ashley Cole for a place in England's World Cup squad, having made his full Three Lions debut against Denmark earlier this month.

Both Chelsea and United have made if clear through third parties that they are prepared to pay up to £25m to land the Southampton left-back, though City's intent takes the potential bidding to a new level.

Sources expect Shaw to join the club that Stellar advise him to, with all signs point to him leaving St Mary's Stadium this summer.